Customer Reviews

The Diary of a Magus

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This is one of Coelho's earlier works. with the events described occuring in the mid-80's. I believe that it has since been re-released under a different title. Pilgrimage...I think. It is written as a narrative with the author himself as the protagonist, similar to Valkyries. In a sense, it is a tale of the author comiming of age. Admittedly, the author was in his mid-30's if not early 40's when the events take place so it is not the usual coming of age tale. Rather, it deals with the struggle for spiritual maturity.

The story describes the author's pilgrimage across nothern Spain to Santiago de Compostela, an ancient route of Christian pilgrimage in Europe. He makes the journey with a mentor who is on his own spiritual quest. Much of the book describes various adventures and tasks that the author is given as learning experiences. Through this process of overcoming the obstacles in his path the author learns the meaning of humble service, true power, and emerges a wiser and more mature person as a result.

The book contains about ten meditations and spiritual exercises that the reader can do on his or her own apart from reading the story. The exercises are quite good on their own.

This tale doesn't have quite the magical quality of The Alchemist, even though the supernatural is a subtext throughout the story. However, it offers the reader a great deal and is well worth the time spent on it. It is a good book from a great author.

I came to this book by random selection. I am happy that I did. There are moments i the book where the simplest explanations of things brings new light to the world around you. This could be because of a connection to your own feelings or an epiphany. In the book Paulo mentions that teaching is illustrating that somehthing is possible, while learning is making it possible for yourself. Paulo has shared his path toward enlightenment. It is possible by his example. This is not some guru type, metaphysical enlightenment that cannot be reached. It is rather something practical that each person must face alone and find a different answer to. It is possible.

The first one of Coelho's saga of mystical books. Great book. Teaching useful things in life as expected. Just like magic, you won't be able to stop reading it. Paulo Coelho, in a very sweet way of writing, involves you in his journey in Santiago de Compostela. Also, invites you to know that beautiful journey by yourself. You 'll feel encouraged.

The Diary of a Magus is the best book to understand the simplicity of all things. The author,in his way to Santiago de Compostela, tell us how beautiful and simply is life, with the RAM practices, the conversation with his guide, and all the things that he was feeling inside. In all his way to find his sword, he teach us a lot of things, and the best of all: "Humility" I recommend you to read this book, and you will understand.

Paulo Coelho takes you through his adventure on his road to Santiago. You feel like you are there with him learning the practices of RAM and understanding life. This is one book that you tell your friends about what you learned. Life makes a little more sense after reading this book.

Follow coelho and his adventures in Spain. Good exercises follow each section to help you develop along life's journey. What would it be like to have committment? What would it be like to learn about yourself in a whole new way? This is a good book for the personal visionquest.

I know too much people that don't read through end. Persistence and pacience and you'll see: In the end, the prize is fantastic!!!